Snorkeling in Madeira: Sunset Sail with Swimming

Snorkel at sunset while the boat drifts along Madeira's south coast

Snorkel in Madeira on a 3-hour sunset sailing experience from Funchal aboard a traditional boat with a maximum of 16 guests. You swim and snorkel in the Atlantic, explore the south coast, and watch the city lights emerge as the sun sets over the water. An onboard bar runs throughout, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

The experience

The boat leaves Funchal in the late afternoon and heads out along the south coast while the light is still strong. You get snorkeling equipment on board, so you can drop into the Atlantic whenever you want to explore underwater or simply float and watch the coastline. The water stays calm along this stretch, and the boat keeps the group small, never more than 16 people, so there's room to move and no crowding at the rail.

As the sun moves lower, the pace slows. Some travelers stay in the water. Others climb back aboard and settle at the bar or find a spot on deck to watch the light change. The view of Funchal from the water shifts as you drift, and the city's lights begin to show before the sun fully disappears. The whole experience runs three hours, which means you can fit it into an evening without losing the rest of your day in Madeira.

A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French, depending on the boat. Stand-up paddleboards are also available if you want to try something different from snorkeling. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the operator notes the experience suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• onboard bar.
• use of stand-up paddleboards.

Before you book

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 17:30, from € 55 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years): free · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ventura Nature Emotions -Day Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours means you can sail and snorkel in an evening without sacrificing a full day of exploring Madeira. If you have a free afternoon or want to end the day on the water, this fits. If you need a full-day excursion inland, book a longer tour instead.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

34 verified traveler reviews

5 ★32

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years): free; Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel the whole time, or is it just a quick dip?

Snorkeling is built into the experience, not a side activity. You have the equipment on board and the time to use it as much as you want: some travelers spend most of the sail in the water, while others alternate between the water and the deck. The boat stays in place long enough for you to explore.

What's the water like for snorkeling off Madeira's south coast?

The south coast waters are calmer than the north side, which is why the boat sails this route. Visibility and marine life vary by season, but the Atlantic here supports reef fish and smaller species. The boat provides all snorkeling gear, so you don't bring your own.

Is three hours enough time to see the sunset properly?

Three hours on the water means you catch the full descent of the sun and watch it disappear over the horizon. You're already out on the water when the light starts to change, so you see the whole show rather than rushing out to catch the end of it.

What if I don't want to snorkel? Can I just sail and swim?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, but swimming without it is part of the experience too. Some travelers use the paddleboards instead, and others simply stay on deck with a drink and watch the coast and the sunset. The boat accommodates all three.

Does the boat leave from Funchal, and how do I get there?

The boat departs from Funchal. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them, and the operator notes that the experience is wheelchair accessible, so the boarding area is reachable.